NCJ Number
16321
Date Published
1974
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A DISCUSSION STATING THE NEED FOR NATIONAL GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION, CITING STATISTICS ON MURDERS, ACCIDENTAL DEATHS BY GUNS, AND RISING GUN OWNERSHIP.
Abstract
THE INCREASE IN GUN OWNERSHIP IN THE UNITED STATES IS SEEN AS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IN RISING GUN DEATHS AND INJURIES. STATISTICS ON MURDER RATES AND GUN OWNERSHIP, POLICE DEATHS BY GUNS, HOMICIDES INVOLVING FAMILY OR FRIENDS, GUN ACCIDENTS AND SUICIDES, AND COMPARATIVE RATES OF MURDERS INVOLVING GUNS IN THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER COUNTRIES ARE GIVEN. IN THESE CASES THE AUTHOR MAINTAINS THAT EASY AVAILABILITY OF GUNS WAS A MAJOR FACTOR IN HIGH DEATH OR ACCIDENT RATES. STATE AND LOCAL GUN CONTROL LAWS ARE REVIEWED. THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT THE EFFICIENCY OF THESE LAWS IS IMPAIRED BY EASY ACCESS TO GUNS FROM OTHER STATES OR LOCALITIES, BY WIDESPREAD ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, AND BY THE LACK OF A NATIONAL GUN CONTROL LAW. ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF GUN POSSESSION, SUCH AS THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS OR THE NEED FOR SELF PROTECTION ARE DISCUSSED AND REFUTED. FINALLY, LOOPHOLES IN THE 1968 NATIONAL GUN CONTROL ACT AND THE NEED FOR NEW GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION ARE DISCUSSED.